Differently Bodied Beings (Aut) (L3021A)
Differently Bodied Beings and Ethnographic Encounters (Aut)
Module L3021A
Module details for 2024/25.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
This module takes as its starting place the “experiencing bodies” which form the focus of phenomenological interest, considering what ‘shapes’ these bodies take, what ‘shapes’ them, and how they play out their lives in the world. One of the module’s primary ideas is that experiencing bodies – both their similarities and differences – are often best revealed through encounters, particularly those moments when they encounter each other. Methodologically, we can attune ourselves to be attentive to what happens in such moments of encounter, to pay attention and develop a particular way of attending to the world which I am describing as ‘ethnographic’. Part of the aim of this module is to become aware of, develop and cultivate such an ethnographic sensibility. Throughout the module, we will consider encounters with and between an array of differently bodied beings, themselves constituted through different forms of materiality and sociality, including (but not restricted to) animals, plants, places, humans, ancestors, spirits, aliens and the divine. This is a weird and experimental module that wrestles with what a sociology beyond-the-human might look like and how this might contribute to us – in the midst of social, political and ecological crises – collectively finding a way for life to carry on.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate a good understanding of what phenomenology is and the primary areas upon which it focuses.
Demonstrate a good understanding of what encounters are and why they are significant in revealing both similarity and difference.
Demonstrate understanding of what an ethnographic sensibility is, as we are conceptualising it in the module, and be able to apply such a sensibility in exploring aspects of their world.
Demonstrate an understanding of how attentiveness to differently bodied beings might help us, collectively, to navigate current social, political and ecological crises.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio (3000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Thu 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 11111011111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Jamie Barnes
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/239159
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.